Company News
HiQ: 47% of centres achieve Gold Standard
Via its Standards Programme, HiQ Tyres and Autocare aims to drive a high level of attention to detail in every aspect of the fast fit and automotive business. In order to verify the standards achieved by its franchisees, the fast-fit network audits all centres and awards top performers accordingly. This year, HiQ has awarded Gold Standards Awards to 47 per cent of its franchise centres throughout the UK.
Trelleborg promoting tyre pressure management benefits at MF eXperience
As a key sponsor of the European Massey Ferguson MF eXperience Tour 2019, Trelleborg Wheel Systems is highlighting the importance of correct tyre pressure management and showcasing its latest technology to help farmers optimise tyre efficiency.
Nexen set to begin trial production at new Czech tyre plant
Nexen Tire Europe is due to begin trial production at its new facility in Zatec, the Czech Republic. The news marks the virtual completion of the project that started in October 2015.
ETRMA: Tyre sales down slightly
The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has published members sales figures, which show that “overall industry sales declined slightly in the first quarter of 2019”.
Goodyear drops Dunlop brand in registered name change
Following the news that it is refreshing its Goodyear halo brand as its UHP and luxury go-to moniker, Goodyear Dunlop UK Ltd has confirmed it will be removing Dunlop from its registered company name and in future will therefore be known just as Goodyear.
Excel Automotive Group under new ownership
Excel Automotive Group (EAG) has been acquired by Tony Bhogal, owner of Sancorp Ltd and managing director ofAutoelectro, in partnership with son, Harry, from TVS Motor Group Ltd (Universal Components Ltd). The new owners have appointed Adrian Lamb managing director of EAG, while Harry Bhogal will be responsible for the company's day-to-day operations.
Another Caterpillar platinum award for Yokohama
Yokohama Tire Corporation has been awarded Caterpillar’s premier supplier award for the seventh year in a row. The award – Platinum Level Recertification in its Supplier Quality Excellence Process (SQEP) – went to Yokohama’s factory in Onomichi, Japan. The plant produces òriginal equipment and replacement off-the-road (OTR) tyres for a wide range of equipment.
Bridgestone: 98% of tier 1 suppliers acknowledge procurement policy
The aim at Bridgestone Group is to use “100 per cent sustainable materials” by 2050 and beyond, and last year the tyre and rubber company introduced a new procurement policy to steer it towards this end. Under a partnership it began with CSR evaluation specialist EcoVadis in 2018, Bridgestone is now assessing its suppliers’ current sustainability practices and looking at what support may be needed to improve performance.
Michelin tyre policy for DB Distribution after Agilis+ trial
DB Distribution has adopted a full Michelin policy across its 15-strong light commercial vehicle fleet after it was won over by improved tyre life and reduced downtime during a trial.
Goodyear launches Eagle F1 Series of UHP and Supercar tyres
Goodyear originally launched the Eagle moniker back in the 1930s. And the Eagle F1 was introduced to the market in 1985. However, the latest generation – which begins with the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 and goes all the way up to the Eagle F1 Supersport RS – is designed to meet the most demanding consumer needs. Tyres & Accessories attended the Goodyear Eagle F1 Series event at the famous Ascari racetrack in Spain in order to find out more.
Official launch for TyreCube shipping solution
CEVA Logistics and Goodpack, which operates the world’s largest fleet of Intermediate Bulk Containers, have officially launched their TyreCube solution. TyreCube is a patented collapsible and stackable container for shipping tyres worldwide.
Michelin Auto Professional UK dealers offered customer service guidance
Michelin Auto Professional (MAP) UK dealers have been told improving the overall experience of their customers is more important than ever, in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Business owners and senior managers from 16 independent dealer groups attended the annual MAP conference in Chichester, for a briefing on a new package of benefits being rolled out to members of Michelin’s advocate dealer programme.
Bridgestone developing tyres for Japanese Moon mission
When you only have one-sixth the gravity you’re accustomed to, you need a tyre that makes good contact with the surface. This is why Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Toyota Motor Corporation have asked Bridgestone to contribute its expertise to their new joint project. The tyre maker will draw upon its knowledge of tyre contact patches and develop an elastic wheel that will support the weight, acceleration and braking of the lunar rover that JAXA and Toyota intend to build.
20 million new vehicles in 2023 equipped with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant
As voice control continues to gain popularity in the home, consumers are increasingly hoping to use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri in the vehicle too. An increasing number of OEMs are now poised to give in to popular consumer demands and integrate Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant in-vehicle, without the need for a handset and despite concerns over data and OEM-branding. According to ABI Research, a market-foresight advisory firm providing strategic guidance on the most compelling transformative technologies, 20 million vehicles shipping in 2023 are expected to enable one or more of these assistants, without consumers requiring a handset to use the digital assistant.
Vellco offering Brexit-proof service
Vellco Tyre Control has reassured its partners and customers of its ability to continue providing the same level of product and service delivery even in the event of a No Deal Brexit. It says it “will remain a dependable supplier of casings across the EU Zone” regardless of the “potential turbulent post-Brexit environment.”